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Collection of architectural drawings from the practices of Edward Fielder Billson

Identifier(s): H2024.22/1-4465; H2024.86/1-139

 Collection

Scope and contents

4465 drawings by architect Edward Fielder Billson (1892-1986) from his work at various practices (including E. F. Billson, Edward F. Billson & Company, Edward F. Billson & Partners, Edward F. Billson & Mewton). Drawings include plans for large residences, flats, schools and factories, including the Sanitarium Heath Foods Company factory, Seventh Day Adventist church and school, Hotels Australia and Woodlands Golf Club.

Dates

  • [between 1915 and 1991?]

Creator

  • E. F. Billson (Organization)

Biographical / Historical

Edward Fielder Billson (1892-1986) was the first graduate of the University of Melbourne architecture program, and an associate of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects, a member of the Board of Architectural Education in Victoria, and of the faculty of Architecture at the University of Melbourne. Billson went on to train with Walter Burley Griffin, of Chicago, Melbourne and Sydney, and studied in Europe and America. For a period of time, he worked in partnership with R. A. Lippincott. After winning an international competition for the Auckland University Library, Billson returned to Melbourne to establish his own practice. Work undertaken included the design of large residences, flats, schools and factories. Billson's son, named Edward "Ted" Fielder Billson (1929-2018) also worked as an architect.

Extent

4604 architectural drawings : pencil, ink, watercolour on tracing paper, paper and card, blueprints ; various sizes

Language

English

Arrangement

Organized into two series: 1. Client files. 2. Oversize drawings ; Arranged alphabetically by client name.

Immediate source of acquisition

Gift; Margaret Billson; 2019.

Related materials

State Library holds related material in the Pictures Collection at YLTAD 109 and Manuscripts Collection at MS 16677.

General note

Some later drawings are by Edward Fielder Billson's son, Edward "Ted" Fielder Billson (1929-2018).

Architectural drawings of Catholic College, University of Melbourne (H2024.86/121-138) stored rolled at Box 1 and 2.

Titles and dates derived from information supplied on original folders.

Processing information

Series 1 of collection has been kept in its original order, which is roughly (not strictly) alphabetical.

Creator

  • E. F. Billson (Organization)
  • Edward F. Billson & Company (Organization)
  • Edward F. Billson & Partners (Organization)
  • Edward F. Billson & Mewton (Organization)
Title
Guide to the Collection of architectural drawings from the practices of Edward Fielder Billson
Status
Completed
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository details

Part of the Pictures Collection, State Library Victoria Repository

Contact:
328 Swanston Street
Melbourne Victoria 3000 Australia
03 8664 7002